Friday, September 30, 2011

Rehabilitative and Habilitative Devices Survey Open Until October 7

As part of the Independence Through Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid (ITEM) Coalition's continuing work to ensure that people with disabilities have access to rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices, the coalition is collecting information on typical coverage of these services and devices by employer-sponsored health insurance plans. The coalition is particularly interested in topics such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, durable medical equipment, orthotics, prosthetics, or other assistive devices. Physical therapists (PTs) are encouraged to ask their patients with disabilities or chronic conditions and who are covered by employer-based insurance to take this quick 10-question, anonymous survey called Insurance Coverage of Rehabilitative and Habilitative Devices. PTs also can take the survey on behalf of their patients. The survey closes on October 7. The results will help ITEM Coalition members to ensure that health care reform best serves the needs of individuals with disabilities and chronic conditions.